Parties involved
Presumption of innocence. The persons under investigation are defendants, not convicted. They benefit from the presumption of innocence until any final judgment. This page lists only information made public by the authorities or by reference media.
1. The defendants
In total, 17 people are defendants (as of 10 September 2026). They face, on various grounds, charges of homicide, bodily harm and negligent arson.
The managers of the Constellation
Jacques Moretti (co-manager) — placed in pre-trial detention on 9 January, then released on bail (200,000 CHF) on 23 January. Subject to substitute measures (ban on leaving Switzerland, daily reporting to the police station), extended on 8 August 2026 until 9 October. A request to lift these measures had been refused by the court. On 23 August 2026 he was placed in pre-trial detention in proceedings separate from the fire investigation, on suspicion of violence against his wife.
Jessica Moretti (co-manager) — left free under substitute measures. On 5 June 2026, she was notified of an additional charge, forgery of documents (false invoice linked to the acoustic foam).
The municipal officials and employees
On 5 March 2026, the investigation was widened to five current and former municipal officials, including the president of the municipality of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud. Heard for the first time as a defendant in mid-April, he denies any responsibility and states that he was unaware of the absence of inspections; he has remained in office while withdrawing from matters related to the fire.
As of 28 August 2026, eight elected or former elected officials of the municipalities of Crans-Montana and Chermignon are defendants:
- Nicolas Féraud — president of Crans-Montana since the 2017 municipal merger
- Patrick Clivaz — municipal councillor for the public safety department of Crans-Montana since 1 January 2025
- Kevin Barras — municipal councillor for the public safety department of Crans-Montana from January 2021 to December 2024
- Thibault Beytrison — head of the Crans-Montana fire and rescue centre from 2008 to 2014, then municipal councillor for security from 2017 to 2020
- Jean-Claude Savoy — president of Chermignon from 2009 to 2016
- Jérémie Rey — municipal councillor for construction of Chermignon from 2013 to 2016
- Alain Mittaz — vice-president of Chermignon from 2013 to 2016, then municipal councillor of Crans-Montana from 2017 to 2020
- Rose-Marie Clavien — municipal councillor for construction of Crans-Montana from 2017 to 2024
Seven current or former employees of the safety and construction departments of the two municipalities are also defendants. In accordance with our ethical framework, and as reference media do, these persons are designated by their function and not named.
Sources: Le Temps, RTS, franceinfo, swissinfo.
2. The prosecution — Public Prosecutor's office of Valais
The investigation was opened with a pool of prosecutors. Since July 2026 it has been conducted by two magistrates:
- Catherine Seppey, deputy attorney general — director of the proceedings
- A second prosecutor
One of the three magistrates assigned to the case will leave the Public Prosecutor's office on 31 December 2026 for a new professional opportunity.
Challenges rejected
- 8 April 2026 — The Criminal Chamber of the Cantonal Court rejects the recusal requests targeting the prosecutors.
- 15 April 2026 — The bureau of the Public Prosecutor's office refuses the appointment of an extraordinary prosecutor requested by a lawyer for a private claimant.
An appeal to the Federal Supreme Court has been announced.
Sources: RTS, Watson, organisation chart of the Public Prosecutor's office of Valais.
3. The private claimants
Families of victims — Many relatives have joined the proceedings as private claimants, represented by their lawyers, and take part in the hearings.
Municipality of Crans-Montana — private claimant status refused
The municipal council had decided, at the beginning of January, to join the proceedings as a private claimant. The public prosecutor's office refused, and on 17 March 2026 the cantonal court upheld that refusal. The municipality is therefore not a party to the proceedings.
Italian Republic — private claimant status refused
On 6 August 2026, the Valais public prosecutor's office denied Italy the status of private claimant: neither the Italian nationality of several victims nor the costs incurred to assist its nationals confer the status of injured party. An appeal has been filed.
Sources: Le Temps, 20 minutes.
4. The investigations abroad
France — Paris Public Prosecutor's office (OCRVP)
A "mirror investigation" was opened to support the French families (9 deaths, 21 injured). It will not lead to a trial in France: the Swiss authorities remain solely competent to establish responsibility.
Italy — Procura di Roma
On 14 April 2026, the Moretti couple were placed under investigation in Italy for multiple involuntary manslaughter and arson. The investigation, coordinated with Switzerland, concerns in particular the six Italian victims.
Sources: RTS, Le Temps, franceinfo, ANSA.
To understand the terms used (defendant, private claimant, recusal, indictment, etc.), see the legal glossary.